Genista tinctoria

Genipa americana is a species of tree in the family Rubiaceae, native to tropical America. It is commonly known as the genipapo or jagua. The tree is valued for its fruit, which is used for food and traditional medicine, and for the blue-black dye obtained from its unripe fruit.

Description

Genipa americana is a medium-sized tree that can reach up to 15 meters in height. The leaves are opposite, simple, and elliptical. The flowers are white and fragrant, with a tubular corolla. The fruit is a large berry, up to 12 cm in diameter, with a thick rind and sweet, aromatic pulp.

Distribution and habitat

Genipa americana is native to tropical America, from Mexico and the Caribbean south to Paraguay and northern Argentina. It is found in a variety of habitats, from lowland rainforests to dry forests and savannas.

Uses

The ripe fruit of Genipa americana is eaten fresh or used to make juice, jam, and wine. The unripe fruit yields a blue-black dye, known as jagua, which is used for body painting and to color fabrics and ceramics.

In traditional medicine, various parts of the plant are used to treat a range of ailments, including fever, snake bites, and skin diseases. The fruit is also used as a digestive aid and a diuretic.

Cultivation

Genipa americana is cultivated for its fruit and dye in many parts of its native range. The tree is propagated by seeds and requires a tropical or subtropical climate. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil types, but prefers well-drained soils.

Conservation

While Genipa americana is not currently considered threatened, it is subject to habitat loss due to deforestation and conversion of land for agriculture.

See also

• List of plants of the Amazon Rainforest
• List of culinary fruits
• List of dye plants

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